2nd August, 2018
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed concern over reports of incidents of violence in Harare following the elections on July 30.
Guterres recalled commitments the stakeholders made in the ‘Peace Pledge and the Code of Conduct’ to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
The frontrunners in the election were President Emmerson Mnangagwa from the ruling ZANU-PF party and his opponent, Nelson Chamisa, head of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
The UN chief, in a statement issued in New York by his Spokesperson, Mr Farhan Haq, called on the political leaders and the population to exercise restraint and reject any form of violence while awaiting the announcement of the election results.
He further called on political leaders and electoral contestants to pursue any disputes through peaceful means, dialogue and in accordance with the law.
Guterres said the elections markef an important step forward in Zimbabwe’s democratic development.
The Secretary-General noted the peaceful and democratic spirit, which was commended by national and international observers, during polling day.
The UN chief appreciated the commitment of the people of Zimbabwe to deepen democracy and their renewed focus on development of the nation.
Back in June, Guterres condemned an explosion that took place at an election rally in Zimbabwe, shortly after Mnangagwa – who was running again for a full term – left the stage.
And in July, amid increasing reports of voter intimidation and coercion linked to the ruling ZANU-PF party, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, underscored the need for a peaceful and credible election.